"It's more like a comedy thriller than a tacky spy spoof. I mean, not that I want to describe the first film as a tacky spy spoof," Rowan, 56, said.

"But it's bigger budget, a more serious-minded film, with a better plot. I think you're always interested to know what happens next."

The star said of his alter-ego: "The character is more three-dimensional and engaging in this film. You root for him more than you did the first time and want him to succeed."

Rowan, who hit the headlines when he crashed his high-performance sports car this summer, added: "Johnny English works very well when his mistakes, flaws and silliness are put in a very serious context and in this film, with the strength of the supporting actors, we've created that."

:: Johnny English Reborn is released in cinemas on Friday, October 14.